In Absentia Trial of Hemedti Kicks off in Sudan over 2023 West Darfur Governor Murder

A Sudanese court kicked off on Sunday the in absentia trial of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, his brother Abdel Rahim and 14 members of the group in the murder of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abkar in June 2023.

The Port Sudan court listened to the prosecution’s opening statement. Attorney General Al-Fatih Tayfour described the case as significant and that it underscores the rule of law.

Akbar was killed on June 14, 2023, after he was kidnapped by the RSF. Videos circulated on social media showed his killing and the mutilation of his body.

The presiding judge demanded the maximum sentence against the accused. If indicted, they could either face life in prison or the death sentence.

He said Akbar was killed in cold blood with the participation of his deputy Tijani Al-Tahir Karshom.

The United Nations mission in Sudan had condemned the “heinous” murder, adding that witnesses attested that the “Arab tribe militias” loyal to the RSF had committed it.

It had called for the prepetrators to be brought to justice.

The RSF had denied its involvement in the crime, saying it was a dangerous escalation in local tribal conflicts. It said the criminals were “undisciplined” tribe members, while the army accused the RSF of involvement.

aawsat.com